Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha Appointed Defence Secretary

News Today: Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha appointed Defence Secretary

Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Sampath Thuyacontha has been appointed as the new Defence Secretary of Sri Lanka. He began his distinguished career in the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) on May 17, 1988, as an Officer Cadet in the 19th Intake and was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in the General Duties Pilot Branch in 1990. Following his training, he was assigned flying duties as an operational pilot.

In 2001, he was posted to the Helicopter Squadron at Sri Lanka Air Force Base Hingurakgoda, where he served as the Second in Command. By 2005, he had been promoted to Commanding Officer. During his tenure, he participated in numerous military operations, including the Humanitarian War to liberate the North and East. As a helicopter pilot, he logged over 7,000 flying hours in operational, VIP, and attack helicopter roles.

Air Vice Marshal Thuyacontha’s international experience includes serving as Defence Advisor to the Sri Lankan High Commission in Islamabad, Pakistan, for two years, and as Chief Instructor at the Defence Services Command and Staff College in 2014.

His bravery and gallantry during humanitarian operations earned him numerous decorations, including the Weera Wickrama Vibhushanaya (WWV), Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP), and Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) on several occasions.